THE Department of Education (DepEd)-Davao, in a memorandum dated February 19, bared the resumption of off-campus activities in all public schools, including Junior-Senior Promenade, beginning February 24 provided that all necessary precautionary measures are observed to protect the students from the risk of coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
DepEd Davao spokesperson Jenielito Atillo said Thursday, February 20, that aside from off-campus activities, the suspension of national and regional activities was likewise lifted based on Memorandum 23, s. 2020 of the "Third Set of Policy Directives of the DepEd Task Force Covid-19."
"Yes (JS Prom is already allowed), but again, let me stress that this is not automatic. Kung ako ang principal or school owner, I would rather secure a DOH certification or clearance para sigurado gyud (to be certain)," Atillo said.
"This problem is no laughing matter. Just one case can create a problem of monstrous proportions," he added.
Earlier, under the DepEd Memorandum 15, s. 2020, off-campus activities, such as field or educational trips, were suspended to ensure the health and safety of the students following the advisory issued by the Department of Health on concerts and other public events and gatherings.
The health department advised the public "to avoid attending, participating in, and organizing events that draw a huge number of attendees" while the threat of Covid-19 transmission is still on.
"All DepEd units may already resume the conduct of national, regional, and/or off-campus activities starting February 24, 2020, provided all precautionary measures identified by DepEd and DOH are strictly followed," the memorandum read.
DepEd likewise advised all personnel and learners who decide to proceed with their scheduled personal travels for February to countries identified to have confirmed cases of Covid-19 shall be subject to mandatory self-quarantine for 14 days from the date of arrival in the Philippines.
Aside from public schools, DepEd urged private schools to also adopt the precautionary measures contained in DepEd's memorandum on Covid-19.
DepEd instructed the schools to dedicate weekends to school-wide general cleaning and intensified disinfection efforts, and to utilize the schools' Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses to effectively execute the protective measures enclosed in DM 15, s. 2020.